I have taken many (many) pictures since I quit using film cameras, since electrons are so much less expensive than film stock. Some of those pictures have been interesting to look at, partly because they were unusual subjects, or extreme close ups, or had the context removed from the frame, any other reason. I'm sure you've all seen such pictures. I have fun looking at them and guessing what they are. Maybe you'll have fun guessing what these are.

That is a green led at the bottom of a muzzleloader barrel, four feet deep and half an inch across.

At camp this year, we got a chance to learn all about firing a muzzleloader, and part of that process was cleaning them. At the end of the cleaning procedure, before reassembly, the barrel was inspected with this tool. Since a muzzleloader's barrel is more like a cup than a tube (ok, a really long tall thin narrow cup with a tiny leak at the bottom...nevermind), the borelight had to be dropped in from the muzzle and when it slid to the bottom, we were able to inspect it with the light it cast on the inside of the barrel. This is a picture of what I saw.
How to roll your own.

__________________
per·son \ˈpər-sən\ (noun) - an ephemeral collection of small, irrational decisions
The fun thing about evolution (and science in general) is that it happens whether you believe in it or not.

This is a steel strapping machine. Here are a couple more shots, the first from a different angle and the second of the finished product.

It works by taking a length of strap steel (like what a tape measure is made from, but flat) and running it around the bundle and through the machine. Then each movement of the handle ratchets the strap tighter and tighter. When it's tight enough, then a clip is placed onto a section of the straps where they overlap and the second machine with the opposing handles is placed over the clip and it's crimped into place. Then you slide the ratchet tightener out and your strapped bundle is complete. You may trim the excess strap past the crimp.

I should have figured that out. I read about a high-profile engineering firm that interviews applicants by presenting them with a briefcase full of various mechanical and electronic objects. The applicant has to guess what these things do, to the best of their ability, based on their experience and raw reasoning power. Wish I had a link, this was a print article. Pop Sci, or Discover, or Scientific American.

Anyway, please don't reveal the green thing. That one has stumped us for a good long while, now.

__________________******************There's a level of facility that everyone needs to accomplish, and from there
it's a matter of deciding for yourself how important ultra-facility is to your
expression. ... I found, like Joseph Campbell said, if you just follow whatever
gives you a little joy or excitement or awe, then you're on the right track. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Terry Bozzio

Are you serious about the green thing? It was posted before, and revealed too. I don't mind waiting, but it's more about the interesting pictures and conversation than it is about playing stump the chumps. Perhaps I should post the "answer" in invisible spoiler text or something.

Regardless, I'll wait a while. Anybody dying to know may pm me for the answer right away.

Plus, I'd love to see other's interesting and unusual pictures. I'll have more of my own posted soon. Keep guessing!